Tortuguero: 3-Day Jungle Lodge & Canal Boat Tour from San José

Summary

Glide Tortuguero’s green canals spot monkeys village walks

You’ll travel from San José through lush jungle to Tortuguero by boat, stay two nights in a forest lodge surrounded by wildlife, explore private trails and vibrant village streets with a local guide, visit the Turtle Museum, and cruise hidden canals searching for monkeys and birds. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s feeling part of this wild place for a few days.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the thick hush of the jungle as our boat slid away from the pier—just this low hum of insects and the slap of water against the hull. We’d left San José before sunrise, winding through Braulio Carrillo’s misty mountains (I nearly nodded off more than once), but by the time we reached Tortuguero, I was wide awake. Our guide, Andrés, pointed out a flash of blue—a heron maybe?—and then suddenly there were monkeys overhead, just hanging out like it was nothing. The air smelled green. I know that sounds weird, but you’ll get it when you’re there.

I didn’t expect the lodge to feel so tucked away. There was a welcome drink—something with pineapple—and lunch that tasted like someone actually cared about the rice and beans. My room had these big windows looking right into the trees; at night you could hear frogs and something else (maybe iguanas?). Later we wandered into Tortuguero village with Andrés leading us down sandy lanes past painted houses. He introduced us to Marta at her craft stall—she laughed when I tried my Spanish—and then we ducked into the Turtle Museum where they showed us how much work goes into protecting those eggs. Honestly, I left feeling both hopeful and a bit sad about how fragile it all is.

The next morning started early with a walk on the lodge’s private trails—mud squishing under my shoes, birds calling everywhere. The real highlight though was floating through Tortuguero’s canals again with our guide spotting caimans (I almost missed one because I was too busy watching a butterfly land on my sleeve). The park feels endless; every bend hides something new if you’re paying attention. And yeah, bring bug spray. You’ll thank me later.

On our last day, I woke up before my alarm to this wild chorus of birds outside my window. There was time for one last wander before breakfast—just me and the mist rising off the water. The journey back to San José felt quieter somehow; maybe it was just me replaying those slow boat rides in my head. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that moment in the canals when everything went silent except for rain hitting leaves—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Tortuguero and Village Visit

• Depart San Jose at 6 a.m.
• Cross Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Breakfast at panoramic restaurant
• Boat trip through Tortuguero canals
• Arrive at lodge and welcome cocktail
• Buffet lunch at lodge
• Settle into lodge room
• Visit Tortuguero village and Turtle Museum

Day 2 — Explore Tortuguero National Park

• Guided walk on lodge private trails
• Boat tour of Tortuguero National Park canals

Day 3 — Return to San Jose

• Sunrise and stroll on lodge trails
• Boat trip back through canals
• Lunch stop en route
• Return to San Jose

Top questions

How long is the tour from San José to Tortuguero?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights including round-trip transport from San José.

Is accommodation included in Tortuguero?

Yes, you’ll stay two nights at a comfortable lodge surrounded by nature in Tortuguero.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Yes, meals are included throughout your stay at the lodge.

What wildlife can I see on this Tortuguero canal tour?

You may see monkeys, caimans (alligators), iguanas, exotic birds and more along the canals and trails.

Do tours include visits to Tortuguero village or Turtle Museum?

Yes, there’s a guided walk through Tortuguero village plus entry to the Turtle Museum.

Is pickup from San José hotels included?

Pickup from San José is included as part of your tour package.

Are guided tours inside Tortuguero National Park included?

A guided canal boat tour inside Tortuguero National Park is included (park entrance fee extra).

Is this trip suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and offers wheelchair-accessible transportation options.

What’s included

Your three days include hotel pickup in San José, round-trip transport through Braulio Carrillo National Park to Tortuguero by bus and boat, two nights’ accommodation at a forest lodge with private trails and pool access, all meals prepared with local ingredients, guided walks in both village streets and jungle paths—including entry to the Turtle Museum—and a canal boat tour led by an expert local guide before returning comfortably back to San José.